wcit 2016 manu bhardwaj 2
TRANSCRIPT
Global Connect InitiativeAn initiative to help bring an additional 1.5 billion people online by 2020; supporting achievement of the SDG goals. https://share.america.gov/globalconnect
• Policy: Mainstream the view that Internet connectivity is as fundamental to economic development as roads, ports, electricity
• Countries: All countries integrate Internet connectivity and digital technologies as key part of national development strategies
• Financing: International development institutions prioritize Internet for development
• Accelerate Progress and Capacity Build for Faster Scaling: Catalyze and support cross-functional working groups with technical, network, finance, and other experts. Encourage innovative industry-driven solutions
Key Objectives for the Global Connect Initiative
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 20130
20
40
60
80
100
39
77
31
Sixty percent of the global population is still offline
The Challenge on Internet Adoption: Despite growth, the digital divide remains between developed and developing countries
%
Adop
tion
Source: International Telecommunication Union (website)
Global meanDeveloped countries
Developing countries
Political instability Restraints on free speech
The Challenge: Why are some countries lagging?
Lack of funds for infrastructure
Minimal technical expertise
Corruption